Creating a Safer Boronia Community Safety Audit Report ...

Creating a Safer Boronia – Community Safety Audit Report November 2018

Creating a Safer BoroniaCommunity Safety Audit ReportNovember 2018

2019-12-16 - Ordinary Meeting Of Council Attachment 6.3.9

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Reported to Council 16 December 2019

Boronia Renewal Project

Community Engagement Report - Appendix 16

2Creating a Safer Boronia – Draft Community Safety Audit Report November 2018

Contents1. Executive Summary .......................................................................................................................................3

2. Background....................................................................................................................................................4

3. Location.........................................................................................................................................................5

4. CPTED principles and safer design guidelines .................................................................................................6

4.1 Surveillance ....................................................................................................................................................6

4.2 Access, Movement and Sightlines ..................................................................................................................6

4.3 Activity............................................................................................................................................................6

4.4 Ownership ......................................................................................................................................................6

4.5 Management and Maintenance .....................................................................................................................6

5. Observations and Recommendations.............................................................................................................7

5.1 Erica Avenue...................................................................................................................................................7

5.2 Genista Avenue ............................................................................................................................................10

5.3 Sundew and Iris Courts – Genista Reserve ...................................................................................................11

5.4 Tormore Reserve ..........................................................................................................................................12

5.5 Orchid Avenue..............................................................................................................................................13

5.6 Laneways ......................................................................................................................................................14

6. Summary of Observations and Recommendations .......................................................................................16


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1. Executive SummaryOn Tuesday 9 October and Thursday 11 October 2018, the City of Knox in conjunction with Victoria Police and 17 members of the local community conducted two Community Safety Audits (CSAs) in Boronia. The site visits encompassed Erica, Genista, and Orchid Avenues and included parts of Sundew Avenue, Iris Crescent, Langwith Avenue and Tormore Reserve (e.g. the main target area of this audit).

CSAs focus on the principles of crime prevention through environment design (CPTED) and the safer design guidelines. These principles recognise that physical design and management of our neighbourhoods have a major impact on safety, and on the perceptions of safety within our communities. Well-designed and maintained places can minimise opportunities for crime; but also improve safety, accessibility, liveability and community participation.

The following recommendations reflect the outcome of this CSAs. These are based on observations noted at Section 5 of this report.

PRIVATE PROPERTIESA number of actions require the cooperation of traders and/or property owners. If undertaken, these actions will enhance the amenity of the area, reduce the potential for criminal activity and/or anti-social behavior and improve perception of safety.

Recommendation 1That Council, via the Senior Project Officer, Boronia Renewal Project, engage with local traders and commercial property owners to discuss opportunities for them to improve the amenity of their properties.

Observations & Recommendations [Refer to Part 5]5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 23, 25, 27, 28, 29

COUNCILSome actions on Council owned/managed properties require minimal work that can be assessed and/or undertaken during normal scheduling.

Recommendation 2That Council’s Community Access, Equity & Safety Coordinator (Community Wellbeing Department) refer actions that fall under the responsibility of Council departments to the appropriate team for attention.

Observations & Recommendations [Refer to Part 5]2, 4, 15, 19, 21, 26, 29

SCOPE OF PROJECTRecommendation 3That actions within the scope of this project and/or the Boronia Renewal project are considered as part of a concept plan for improved safety in the target area.

Observations & Recommendations [Refer to Part 5]16, 18, 20, 24

OUTSIDE OF CSA SCOPEObservations 30 – 33 are issues raised by community members during the CSA [Refer to Part 5].

Recommendation 4That, whilst outside the scope of this project, these issues should be referred to the appropriate Council Department and/or the Senior Project Officer, Boronia Renewal Project for follow up.


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2. BackgroundIn December 2017, Council received funding through the Federal Government’s Safer Communities Fund (Round 2). The Safer Communities program aim is to:

contribute to the enhancement of community safety, improve security and reduce street crime and violence through local security infrastructure,

contribute to greater community resilience and wellbeing by addressing crime, anti-social behavior and other security risks,

help to reduce fear and increase feelings of safety in the Australian community and contribute to a greater community resilience, and

contribute to the safety of communities that may be at risk of racial and/or religious intolerance.

The focus of Council’s application was to contribute to local crime prevention and security infrastructure activities through:

installation of fixed or mobile CCTV cameras, installation of security lighting, installation of bollards, and crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) including the removal of environmental

characteristics, such as lack of lighting or poor natural surveillance that can facilitate street crime and violence.

This report could help inform the development of a concept plan for the Train Station Precinct and the area between the Train Station and Tormore Reserve that gives priority to a pedestrian/cycle environment by applying CPTED principles. The use of appropriate lighting, as well as bollards and street furniture to clearly delineate this space for non-traffic uses, will significantly increase visibility and create an inviting atmosphere that encourages activity that extends into the evening. These measures will also support the growth of a local night time activity precinct near the train station and shops.


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Boronia

TormoreReserve

3. LocationThe target area for this CSAs included Erica Avenue, Genista Avenue and Orchid Avenue. Audits also included parts of Sundew Avenue; Iris Crescent, Langwith Avenue and Tormore Reserve.

This pocket of the Boronia Activity Centre is a mixed use area tucked between the Train Station, large open space areas (Tormore and Genista Reserves), and commercial areas of Boronia Village, Boronia Junction and Erica Avenue. The area highlights the challenges of locating businesses and residential uses in close proximity.

The west side of Erica Ave is characterised by small scale retail shops (currently vacant pending redevelopment), while the north side of Orchid Ave is in transition to medium density residential uses. The opposite side of both these streets are service areas for local businesses, dominated by cars and truck movements. There are multiple conflict points for pedestrians and vehicles including loading bays, skip bin collection locations and access and egress from several car parks.

This precinct has seen substantial change in recent years with a major anchor shop moving out of the area. Several new medium density residential developments along Orchid Ave have occurred, and an Aldi supermarket with apartments above is proposed along Erica Avenue.

There is a risk that car and truck traffic will continue to dominate the area, which will further diminish pedestrian activity.

Ideally, the area should be busy and full of people characteristic of a mixed use area. However, negative perceptions of personal safety discourage people from accessing Tormore Reserve or the train/bus station by walking or bicycling.


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4. CPTED principles and safer design guidelinesThe Safer Design Guidelines for Victoria1 are based on the following set of principles.

4.1 SurveillanceMaximise visibility and surveillance of the public environment.When there are ‘eyes on the street’ or ‘natural surveillance’ from passers-by, and if public places are overlooked from adjoining buildings, people feel safer and potential offenders feel exposed. Natural surveillance is one of the primary aids for crime prevention.

4.2 Access, Movement and SightlinesProvide safe movement, good connections and access.People feel more comfortable using public places that provide well defined routes and clear sightlines (day and night) so they can see and be seen. Entrances to buildings should be safe and accessible without compromising security.

4.3 ActivityMaximise activity in public places.Balancing the needs of all users of streets and public places is vital so that people feel comfortable and safe. Encouraging walking increases activity, social interaction and surveillance in public places and reduces the risk of crime.

4.4 OwnershipClearly define private and public space responsibilities.Clarifying ‘ownership’ of private and public space is important for improving public safety. Where the ‘ownership’ of an area is ambiguous, it is often ‘unclaimed’ and can become the focus of anti-social and criminal behaviour. It is important to encourage residents to take responsibility and pride in places they use and inhabit.

4.5 Management and MaintenanceManage public space to ensure that it is attractive and well used.Well-maintained public places improve people’s perception of how safe a place is and supports their desire to occupy and use those places. Management programs to clean, repair and maintain public spaces and private buildings are vital for community safety and wellbeing.

1 Extract from ‘Safer Design Guidelines for Victoria’, Department of Sustainability and Environment, Crime Prevention Victoria


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5. Observations and Recommendations5.1 Erica AvenueThe CSA commenced at the intersection of Erica Avenue and Boronia Road. The group walked up Erica Avenue towards the railway station before turning into Genista Avenue. Erica Avenue is a reasonably wide street with adequate street lighting present. It is acknowledged that potential redevelopment in this street (including the proposed ALDI supermarket development) may improve some of the issues raised. However, as this development may take some time, these issues should still be addressed in the short term.

Potential crime issues identified in this area include: drug use, littering and vandalism (graffiti), traffic issues

1 The wall on the side of ‘Keyboard Corner’ has a brightly painted mural. Research suggests that painting multi- coloured designs or murals on surfaces will discourage graffiti not only because tagging is more difficult but also because taggers seem to have respect for their peers’ artwork. Therefore by default, the introduction of murals increases perception of safety in an otherwise abandoned and vandalised area.

Murals work well as a preventative option both during the day and night.

Building tenant advises that there has been minimal tagging on this wall since the murals were undertaken.

2 The pedestrian crossing near the corner of Orchid Avenue and Erica has eroded and requires repainting. Traffic issues include vehicles speeding through the area and not stopping at the crossing when required to do so.

Whilst the lighting makes the crossing more visible at night time, it does not deter the traffic practices.

Recommendation: Repaint pedestrian crossing. Refer to Council’s traffic management team for assessment.

3 Potential traffic issue in Erica Avenue – cars parked on railway station side may impede vehicles turning out of the railway station carpark.

Recommendation: Refer to Council’s traffic management team for assessment.

4 Lighting in this area is good, however many trees are overgrown and are encroaching on some lights. Light on pole near No 4 Erica Avenue is not working. Whilst the overgrowth does not affect the area during the day, at night time this becomes an issue.Recommendation: Trim tree branches to provide clear space around lights. Change lightbulb/repair on pole outside No 4.


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The Boronia Junction multi-level carpark on Erica Avenue has numerous issues. As this is partly private property and partly owned by public authority, Council would need to engage with the property owners.

5 Overgrown trees adjacent to the carpark limit sightlines and also provide opportunity for entrapment areas.

An issue for both day and night time.

Recommendation: trim and/or cut back foliage around perimeter of carpark abutting footpaths.

6 Littering, including abandoned shopping trolleys, give the impression of an untidy, neglected environment..

An issue for both day and night time.

Recommendation: Where littering is within private property, request property owners to regularly clean away rubbish and trolleys etc.

7 The lighting in the multi-level carpark is currently inadequate. A number of globes are not working; while others are covered in dirt and cobwebs, therefore impeding the strength of the globes.

As this is a multi-level carpark – these issues are experienced both during the day and night.

Recommendation: All lighting to be assessed/ reinstated to working order. Light covers need to be cleaned.Opportunity to revisit lighting design and provide greater visibility for people moving within the carpark.

8 White or light coloured ceilings and walls within carparks improve lighting due to reflection. Ceilings and walls within this carpark are dark and dirty. Line markings within carpark need repainting.

As this is a multi-level carpark – these issues are experienced during the day and night.

Recommendation: Paint all walls and ceilings within carpark white or other reflective light colour. Repaint line markings where required.


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9 At the time of the CSA, many lights within the external carpark at the interface between the Train Station, Maguire Park, and Boronia Junction were also not functioning.

Recommendation: Engage with relevant property owners (including Council if it is within Maguire Park) to repair and/or replace faulty lights/globes.

10 Delivery areas at rear of Woolworths have some areas that are semi enclosed and not well lit.

During daylight hours this issue is a lower priority. However at night time the area is quite dark with only minimal lighting.

Recommendation: Install adequate lighting (potential sensor lighting) in areas which are semi enclosed.Alternatively remove enclosures to allow the area to be open, creating a better line of sight.

11 Access from Boronia Junction carpark through multi-level car park is very dark, especially at night time, and requires more lighting.

Recommendation: Consideration for additional lighting at entrance point.

12 The disability parking bay at the eastern entrance of the multi-level carpark (pictured) does not have lighting and is not compliant to Australian standards.

This is a particular concern not only during the day but at night when the area is much darker.

Recommendation: Install appropriate lighting; engage with property owner to ensure appropriate standards/correction can be met for accessible parking spaces.

13 Railway station area is well lit and has clear sightlines. However, pathway from station/Maguire Park to Boronia Junction area next to BWS (packaged liquor outlet) has poor disability access.

Recommendation: Discuss potential corrective measures and improvement to disability access with property owner.


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14 VicTrack carpark at 27 Erica Ave, located next to existing Gym and Orchid Avenue is very dark at night. This causes a risk at night.

During the day this area does not cause a problem as the line of sight from roadside is quite good.

Recommendation: Suggest that sensor security lighting be installed as an interim measures with the relevant public authority.

15 Parking along Orchid Avenues is utilised by railway commuters. Cars arrive early in the morning and leave after 5pm – this creates a safety issue as the roads are reduced to one lane. In addition, commuter cars occupy spaces which are intended for visitors to local businesses.

Recommendation: Refer to Councils traffic management team with a recommendation to review timed parking and potential residential permits as part of a Car Parking Strategy.

No photo

5.2 Genista AvenueGenista Avenue is a main thoroughfare from Tormore Reserve to the railway station and Dorset Road (via Chandler Road). Whilst standard street lighting is present along this stretch, areas such as the reserve near Sundew Avenue and Iris Crescent had dark areas that could deter pedestrian use. Lighting at the corner of Genista and Erica Avenues is enhanced by the railway station lighting.

Potential crime issues identified in this area include hooning (traffic issues) and anti-social behavior.


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16 Sightlines on Genista Avenue towards Tormore Reserve are hindered by dim lighting.

During the day most of the area has a clear line of sight, however at night time it becomes dark and lighting is inadequate.

Recommendation: Review lighting along Genista Avenue, include bollard lighting along Genista Reserve.

17 Overhanging branches outside No 13.

Recommendation: Engage with owner to trim branches.NO PHOTO AVAILABLE

5.3 Sundew Avenue and Iris Crescent – Genista ReserveGenista Reserve is situated between Sundew Avenue and Iris Crescent and Genista Avenue. The reserve has a children’s playground which is used during daytimes by families. The reserve has a number of mature trees placed throughout. All three streets abutting the reserve are residential.

Potential crime issues identified in this area include anti-social behavior.

18 Genista Reserve, between Sundew Avenue and Iris Crescent, does not have any lighting at all. Whilst there is lighting along one side of Erica Avenue, it is only the street lights on the corners of both streets that provide minimal lighting to the reserve.

During day time the park is quite visible however at night time it becomes very dark.

Recommendation: Install bollard lighting along pathway and strategically throughout the park.

19 Mature trees throughout Genista Reserve with some understory vegetation create potential entrapment areas and hinder line of sight.

During the day the line of sight could be improved, however at night time it becomes near impossible to see within the park due to the lack of lighting.

Recommendation: Maintain undergrowth on the recreational part of the park.

It is noted that this part of the Reserve is managed as a Bush Reserve and that priority is to retain and encourage the protection and growth of significant vegetation.


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Creating a Safer Boronia – Draft Community Safety Audit Report November 2018

5.4 Tormore ReserveThe reserve has a clean, open and well maintained feel. This area has a high volume of pedestrian traffic. Community who live in/near the estate use this area to access to the railway station, shopping centre, Leisureworks and other nearby facilities.

The landscape of Tormore Reserve includes a number of mature trees with minimal ground foliage, creating clear line of sight in most areas. Consultation with Victoria Police ascertained that there has been minimal criminal activity in this area. It is acknowledged that some redevelopment in this area is to be undertaken i.e. playground.

Whilst the area is open and accessible during the day, at night time it is very dark which deters pedestrian use. When the oval is utilised by sporting groups at night, the lighting adequately flows to most pathways.

Potential crime issues identified in this area include rubbish dumping and anti-social behaviour at night time.

20 The pathway into Tormore Reserve from Genista Ave is wide and accessible during the day. However, at night time there is no lighting and the area is very dark- thereby limiting pedestrian use.

Recommendation: Install bollard pathway lighting to support community to use and access during the evening hours.

21 Some sight lines around the reserve could be improved.

Recommendation: Remove or trim any shrubbery/ undergrowth present around trees.

22 The sporting facilities at Tormore Reserve are well maintained by Council and the sporting groups utilising the area.

Any works or improvements required in this area are covered by Council’s Tormore Reserve Plan.


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23 Grass reserve from oval to Langwith Avenue forms a dip. When standing on the pathway it is difficult to see to the edge of the reserve and Langwith Avenue. At night time this area can be very dark, providing possible entrapment area.

Recommendation: Encourage commercial property owners at the end of Langwith Avenue to install sensor security lighting. This will potentially light up most of the area in question when activity or moving objects are detected.

5.5 Orchid AvenueOrchid Avenue is a mix of commercial and residential properties. The road is a thoroughfare for residents of properties near Tormore Reserve.

Potential crime issues identified in this area include antisocial behavior.

24 The pathway from Tormore Reserve into Orchid Ave is dark at night time and therefore discourages pedestrian usage.During daylight Orchid Avenue is quite clear, with reasonable line of sight. However, at night time the area is quite dark making it hard to see up/down the street.

Recommendation: Install bollard lighting along pathway to exit point at Orchid Avenue.

25 Commercial buildings along Orchid Avenue have a number of areas which can be entrapment areas. Lighting over doorways assists in lighting up the area, however overhanging branches impede the amount of area covered by light.

Recommendation: Trim overhanging branches and foliage (such as adjacent to NQR shop building).

Note: Engagement with property owners is necessary to achieve results.


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26 A number of properties along the road reserve have mature trees and foliage that overhang the pathways, lights and property entrances. Foliage needs to be trimmed to improve line of sight.

At night time these issues increase with darkness, there are many areas with minimal line of sight.

Recommendation: Trim overhanging branches and foliage.

5.6 LanewaysThe laneways from Orchid Avenue into Erica Avenue may be under-maintained, and encourage loitering in areas with little surveillance. Whilst it is acknowledged that development of the area is to be undertaken, in the short term a general tidy up could assist in making the area more community friendly and alleviate the feel of neglect.

The issues within this area are the same for day and night. However, with darkness the area attracts un-safe activities and there are a number of hiding areas.

Potential crime issues identified in this area include loitering and drug use.

27 General tidy up required of the laneway area at the rear of the shops opposite Boronia Junction including rubbish removal.

Recommendation: Work with property owners/traders to encourage them to clean up and maintain the laneways in an acceptable condition.

28 Trees provide coverage for potential entrapment areas and create an area for anti-social behavior.

Recommendation: Trim tree foliage and clear undergrowth to enable a clear line of sight and remove potential entrapment areas.


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29 Some traders are accumulating rubbish in an untidy and dangerous manner, including the gathering of cooking waste products which may impose health risks to members of the public.

Recommendation: Refer issues to Council’s Health Department.

In addition to issues raised in the target area, community members attending the CSAs commented on other areas which are of concern to them. These concerns have been passed on to the Senior Project Officer, Boronia Renewal project for follow up. It should be noted that the recommendations on these comments are those of community members and not of Council representatives.

30 Designated bike track from Ferntree gully/Knox City terminates at Boronia and restarts at Boronia railway station.The concerns are:- Riders safely transitioning from Boronia Road to the restarted designated bike track at Boronia

station. - There is a lack of appropriate signage and existing signage is ambiguous.

Recommendation: Link bike track between Boronia and Boronia station to allow unimpeded flow. Revisit current signage and update where necessary.

31 The Taxi rank is currently in the laneway behind the Dorset Road shops, which is isolated from the main night time traffic. In addition there is a lack of signage for the Taxi rank.

Recommendation: Consider relocation of the Taxi rank to the Erica Road side of the Railway station [near the bus exchange area] where there is a greater flow of traffic and better quality lighting. This is also a more visual location, especially at night.

32 Railway Station – Lupton way – rear of shops creates possibilities for entrapment spots. The lighting is minimal. Use of this area is primarily for egress from railway station onto Dorset Road or to taxi area. Pedestrian crossing needs repainting.

Recommendation: Work with traders to encourage installation of sensor lighting at rear of shops. Repaint crossing adjacent to BWS.

33 Bus interchange area within railway carpark – crossing needs repainting.

Recommendation: Encourage property owner (Public Authority) to repaint crossing.

15


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6. Summary of Observations and Recommendations


A number of actions listed below relate to private properties. It is recommended Council engage with property owners and encourage them to undertake minor works in an effort to make their properties more presentable and thereby reducing potential for anti-social and/or criminal behavior.

Lighting

ISSUE RECOMMENDATION OBSERVATION REFERENCE

RESPONSIBILITY

1.1 Street light on pole near No 4 Erica Avenue not working. Check light 4 Council

1.2 Lights in multi-level carpark in Boronia Junction Shopping Centre inadequate. (Internal and external), Number of globes not working and/or dirty. Disability carpark has minimal lighting.

Assess, replace, clean or reinstate lights throughout carparkPainting ceilings and walls to assist with reflection

7, 8, 9, 11, 12 Private Property

1.3 Delivery areas at rear of Woolworths in Erica Avenue not well lit. Install sensor lighting 10 Private Property

1.4 Carpark at the corner of Orchid and Erica Avenue has no lighting. Install sensor lighting 14 Private Property

1.5 Sightlines on Genista Avenue towards Tormore Reserve are hindered by dim lighting.

Review lighting along Genista Avenue. Install bollard lighting in Genista Reserve along pathway and throughout reserve

16, 18 Council

1.6 Pathway Tormore Reserve from Genista Avenue has no lighting. Also pathway from Tormore Reserve to Orchid Avenue.

Install bollard lighting and/or consider having oval lighting on during peak night hours

20, 24 Council

1.7 Dip from Tormore Reserve to Langwith Avenue – very dark area. Encourage traders to install sensor security lighting

23 Private Property


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Landscaping – open spaces



RESPONSIBILITY

2.1 Erica Avenue near Orchid Avenue – trees overgrowing light poles. Trim tree foliage from lights 4 Council

2.2 Overgrown trees and shrubs adjacent to multi-level carpark in Erica Avenue.

Trim trees. Trim/remove shrubbery around footpaths

5 Private Property

2.3 Overhanging branches outside 13 Genista Avenue. Trim branches 17 Property Owner

2.4 Mature trees throughout Genista Reserve with some understory vegetation.

Trim or remove undergrowth from mature trees throughout park.

19 Council

2.5 Some sightlines around Tormore Reserve could be improved. Remove/trim undergrowth from mature trees

21 Council

2.6 Overhanging branches, shrubbery and foliage along Orchid Avenue - some impeding lights at commercial buildings.

Trim overhanging branches 25, 26 Private Property

2.7 Trees in rear laneways. Trim tree foliage and clear undergrowth 28 Private Property

Land use mix/ activity use


RESPONSIBILITY

3.1 Littering inc. abandoned trolleys near multi-storey carpark in Erica Avenue.

Request regular clean up of litter and removal of trolleys

6 Private Property

3.2 Laneways generally untidy with some rubbish a potential risk to health.

Refer potential health issues to Councils Health DepartmentTraders to tidy up rear laneways

27, 29 CouncilPrivate Property


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Traffic


RESPONSIBILITY

4.1 Pedestrian crossing Orchid Ave/Erica Ave needs repainting. Repaint pedestrian crossing 2 Council (Traffic Management)

4.2 Potential traffic issue (parking) Erica Avenue and Orchid Avenue. Area to be assessed (investigate the introduction of limited time parking as part of a broader Car Parking Strategy)

3, 15 Council (Traffic Management?)

4.3 Disability car space in multi-level carpark Erica Avenue not compliant.

Assess and advise 12 Council / Private Property

4.4 Poor disability access at rear of BWS. Assess and advise 13 Council / Private Property


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